Mobile pool skimmer

ABSTRACT

A mobile skimmer that can be propelled by either human manipulation or wind power to capture debris floating on or near the surface of a body of liquid, and more particularly, a swimming pool. It further comprises a unique netted trap design to trap and retain debris even while floating freely in the water. A hinged buoyant flap has one end positioned below the surface of the water, with another end that moves above and below the surface depending on the movement of the skimmer, thereby collecting and trapping debris. A sail may be used to move the skimmer.

This application claims benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/520,148, filed Jun. 6, 2011 by Scott Veronie, andU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/571,359, filed Jun. 27, 2011 byScott Veronie, and is entitled to those filing dates for priority inwhole or in part. The specification, figures and complete disclosure ofU.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 61/520,148 and 61/571,359 areincorporated herein by specific reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for removing and cleaning debris fromthe surface of a body of liquid. More particularly, this inventionrelates to mobile device for removing and cleaning debris from thesurface of a swimming pool or similar body of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous devices and methods disclosed in the prior thatattempt to solve the problem of removing or skimming leaves and otherdebris at or near the surface of water in a swimming pool. These includefilters and skimmers associated with a pump circulating pool water, aswell as more simple devices such as a net positioned at the end of apole. Examples of such devices and methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,176,419; 4,472,842; 4,518,495; 4,820,411; 4,822,487; 5,043,060;5,422,001; 5,614,085; 5,705,058; 5,849,184; 5,911,878; 5,951,858;6,132,604; 6,358,410; 6,383,374; 7,033,490; and 7,037,038; all of whichare incorporated herein by specific reference for all purposes.

Despite the number of such devices, however, a number of problemsremain. Automatic mounted skimmers are only operational while the poolpump is on, require an external power source, and usually are notefficient enough to clean a pool thoroughly. These typically aresupplemented with manual skimmers, but manipulating a pole attached to anet or skimmer often results in operator fatigue and muscle and backstrain. Manual skimmers also often have to be removed several timesduring the cleaning process to remove the debris, which is laborintensive and time consuming.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In various embodiments, the present invention comprises a mobile skimmerthat can be propelled by either human manipulation or wind power tocapture debris floating on or near the surface of a body of liquid, andmore particularly, a swimming pool. It further comprises a unique nettedtrap design to trap and retain debris even while floating freely in thewater.

In one embodiment, the skimmer floats atop the water on two buoyantpontoons. Each pontoon has a front and a back. In one particularembodiment, the front of a pontoon is angled, curved or shaped like theprow of a boat. The back of each pontoon may be square or rounded, butalso may have a similar shape to the front. Other shapes for the frontand back may be used. The underside of each pontoon also may have a keelprotruding down into the water. In the embodiment shown, the keel islocated proximate to the back or second end of the pontoon, although itmay be positioned elsewhere. Multiple keels on a pontoon may be used.

The pontoons are connected by at least one cross-piece or cross-beam. Inone embodiment, the pontoons are connected by a front cross beam and arear cross beam. The front cross beam is positioned above the watersurface during use. Submerged rods extend downward into the water fromthe underside of the front of the pontoons or the front cross beam. Asubmerged beam may extend between the respective submerged rods. Abuoyant flap is hingedly attached to the submerged rods or the submergedbeam at one end, with the point of attachment being below the surface ofthe water.

When not being propelled, the end of the buoyant flap opposite the hingeprotrudes above the surface of the water. When being propelled forward,the flow of water causes the buoyant flap to submerge entirely. Floatingdebris (such as leaves) enters the skimming by moving under the frontcross beam and over the buoyant flap. The debris enters a netted trapwhere it is collected and held. The water surge created by the submergedbeam and the buoyant flap also helps in debris collection (i.e., itcreates an upsurge or wave that raises the water's surface over the topof the buoyant flap).

The netted trap comprises a fine mesh or netting that is secured(removably or permanently) on both sides to the respective pontoons andat the back to the rear cross beam. Alternatively, it may be secured toa netted trap frame, which is attached (removably or permanently) to thepontoons and rear cross beam. The front of the mesh or netting may beattached to the buoyant flap at or near the free end of the buoyant flapas shown, or elsewhere. In one embodiment, the mesh or netting isattached to the buoyant flap by a plate. When propulsion ceases, thebuoyant flap pivots upward so the free end rises to a partially surfacedposition, thereby preventing the debris from leaving the trap. Movementin the opposite direction creates no downward force on the flap, and infact creates a lifting force

The skimmer may be propelled by a variety of mechanisms, including butnot limited to manual (human) and wind. A person in the water may simplymove the skimmer about by hand to collect debris. Handles may be placedon the pontoons or cross beams in suitable locations for ease of use.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, a rod or latch extends upward from thefront of the skimmer, either from a pontoon or the front cross beam. Inthe embodiment shown, the latch is positioned at or near the center ofthe front cross beam. A latch tool positioned at the end of a pole(which may be telescoping) is placed over the latch, and is manipulatedby the user around the pool while standing outside the water. Thepositions of the latch tool and latch may be reversed (i.e., the rod orlatch may be located on the end of the pole, and fit within a receivinglatch tool or hole in the skimmer).

In use, the weight of the pole is borne by the skimmer, thereby reducingor eliminating the stress and fatigue of the user. The user may, infact, be able to manipulate the device with a single hand. The weight ofthe pole also caused the skimmer to tilt to the front when in use,thereby assisting in debris collection. In addition, where the pontoonshave a similar shape to the pontoons on a boat or catamaran, water dragis minimized, allowing faster maneuvering and easier propulsion withless effort.

In one embodiment, the latch comprises a stem with a bulbous orsemi-spherical top. The underside of the top is joined to the stem by aflat angled section. In the embodiment shown, the flat angled section isapproximately 45 degrees in relation to the longitudinal direction ofthe stem. The latch tool comprises a pole connection at one end thatallows the latch tool to pivot or rotate in multiple directions. In oneembodiment, the connection allows for 360 degree rotation similar to aball joint connection, and has a minimal turning radius for easy andefficient operation.

The latch tool further comprises an opening at the opposite end ofsufficient size to receive the top of the latch. The interior of thelatch tool narrows inward to a lip. At the narrowest point at the lip,the opening is only slightly larger than the top of the latch. Theinnermost part of the lip forms a flat angled section to correspond tothe flat angled section of the latch. This allows the pole to be used tomanipulate the skimmer without becoming easily disconnected, but stillallowing the pole to be detached when desired. In this configuration,the latch tool is easily latched or unlatched with a predominantlyvertical movement, but remains latched under predominantly horizontalmovement even with a significant vertical component due to theinteraction of the flat angled sections. This permits the user to liftthe skimmer out of the pool with a predominantly horizontal force, andthen unlatch the pole by employing a predominantly vertical force.

In yet another embodiment, one or more sails are mounted on top of thepontoons so the skimmer acts as a free-floating wind-propelled skimmer.The skimmer can be left in the pool, and collects debris as it ispropelled around the pool by the wind. Collection may be assisted by aforward tilt of the skimmer caused by the propulsion. The sails may behingedly or pivotally attached, allowing for some movement from side toside. Lines may be attached to the sail to hold the sail within alimited range of movement. In one embodiment, the sail is allowedapproximately 8 to 12 degrees of movement from the vertical (thisconfiguration is particularly useful with a double-ended skimmer, asdescribed below). The sail or sails may be detachable orinterchangeable, thereby allowing sails with a variety of colors,message, graphics or images to be used. In a pool at a hotel or otherbusiness, for example, the sails can be used to advertise, displaylogos, or the like.

Other means of propulsion can be used. For example, a motor-drivenpropeller may be attached to the back end of the skimmer. The motor maybe powered by batteries, solar power, or some similar source. In oneembodiment, a solar panel is located on the skimmer to receive and storesolar energy. The solar panel may take the place of the sail, or evenact, in whole or in part, as a sail.

In another embodiment, the skimmer may be double-ended. A center crossbar extends across the middle of the skimmer, with two end cross bars ateither end. Each of these ends comprises a buoyant flap, submerged beam,netted trap and other components as described above. Two netted trapsmay be used, although a single netted trap in the center may be used.Thus, while the skimmer is moved or blown in one direction, debris iscollected in the forward end relative to the movement, while debris isretained at the back end or in the second trap in the rear.

A variety of materials may be used, including wood, plastic, foam, clothor metal. Materials should be resistant to the effects of swimming poolenvironments, such as rust, salt water, chlorine, UV rays, and the like.The pontoons may be solid or hollow. In one embodiment, the pontoons areinflatable.

Offset rods may extend outward from one or more ends of the pontoons.These help the skimmer turn when a wall or side of the pool is struck,and also help to direct debris towards the netted trap. In yet anotherembodiment, brushes may be located on the outside of the pontoons orkeels. These may serve as bumpers or buffers when the skimmer contactsthe sides of the pool, and also may assist in cleaning the tiles orsides of the pool when contacted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a skimmer in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a partial side view of a netted trap and buoyant flapdesign in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch and latchtool.

FIG. 4 shows a cutaway side view of a latch inserted into the latchtool.

FIGS. 5-8 show side perspective views of a double-ended skimmer with asail in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an end perspective view of the skimmer of FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 10 shows the latch tool being inserted over the latch.

FIG. 11 shows the skimmer in use with a pole and sail.

FIG. 12 shows a latch tool and pole connector.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show perspective views of alternative embodiments of askimmer.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show side profiles of the netted trap design (leftpontoon removed and in place).

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of askimmer with a sail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention comprises amobile skimmer that can be propelled by either human manipulation orwind power to capture debris floating on or near the surface of a bodyof liquid, and more particularly, a swimming pool. It further comprisesa unique netted trap design to trap and retain debris even whilefloating freely in the water. The skimmer and its components may be ofvarying sizes as appropriate for the environment in which it is used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the skimmer 2 floats atop the water on two buoyantpontoons (right 6 and left 8). Each pontoon has a front and a back (or afirst end and second end). In one particular embodiment, the front orfirst end of a pontoon is angled, curved or shaped like the prow of aboat. The pontoons may be hydronamically shaped in length andcross-section, similar to the pontoons in a boat or catamaran. The backof each pontoon may be square or rounded, but also may have a similarshape to the front. Other shapes for the front and back may be used. Theunderside of each pontoon also may have a keel 4 protruding down intothe water. In the embodiment shown, the keel is located proximate to theback or second end of the pontoon, although it may be positionedelsewhere. Multiple keels on a pontoon may be used.

The pontoons are connected by at least one cross-piece or cross-beam. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pontoons are connected by a frontcross beam 10 and a rear cross beam 12. The front cross beam ispositioned above the water surface during use. Submerged rods 14 extenddownward into the water from the underside of the front of the pontoonsor the front cross beam. A submerged beam 16 may extend between therespective submerged rods. A buoyant flap 20 is hingedly attached 22 (byone or more hinges) to the submerged rods or the submerged beam at oneend, with the point of attachment being below the surface of the water.

When not being propelled, the end of the buoyant flap opposite the hingeprotrudes above the surface of the water. When being propelled forward,the flow of water causes the buoyant flap to submerge entirely. Floatingdebris (such as leaves) enters the skimming by moving under the frontcross beam 10 and over the buoyant flap. The debris enters a netted trap30 where it is collected and held. The water surge created by thesubmerged beam and the buoyant flap also helps in debris collection(i.e., it creates an upsurge or wave that raises the water's surfaceover the top of the buoyant flap).

The netted trap comprises a fine mesh or netting that is secured(removably or permanently) on both sides to the respective pontoons andat the back to the rear cross beam. Alternatively, it may be secured toa netted trap frame 32, which is attached (removably or permanently) tothe pontoons and rear cross beam. The front of the mesh or netting maybe attached to the buoyant flap at or near the free end of the buoyantflap as shown, or elsewhere. In one embodiment, the mesh or netting isattached to the buoyant flap by a plate 36. When propulsion ceases, thebuoyant flap pivots upward so the free end rises to a partially surfacedposition, thereby preventing the debris from leaving the trap. Movementin the opposite direction creates no downward force on the flap, and infact creates a lifting force.

The skimmer may be propelled by a variety of mechanisms, including butnot limited to manual (human) and wind. A person in the water may simplymove the skimmer about by hand to collect debris. Handles may be placedon the pontoons or cross beams in suitable locations for ease of use.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, a rod or latch 40 extends upward fromthe front of the skimmer, either from a pontoon or the front cross beam.In the embodiment shown, the latch 40 is positioned at or near thecenter of the front cross beam. A latch tool 42 positioned at the end ofa pole (which may be telescoping) 44 is placed over the latch, and ismanipulated by the user around the pool while standing outside thewater, as seen in FIGS. 10 through 12. The positions of the latch tooland latch may be reversed (i.e., the rod or latch may be located on theend of the pole, and fit within a receiving latch tool or hole in theskimmer).

In use, the weight of the pole is borne by the skimmer, thereby reducingor eliminating the stress and fatigue of the user. The user may, infact, be able to manipulate the device with a single hand. The weight ofthe pole also caused the skimmer to tilt to the front when in use,thereby assisting in debris collection. In addition, where the pontoonshave a similar shape to the pontoons on a boat or catamaran, water dragis minimized, allowing faster maneuvering and easier propulsion withless effort.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the latch 40 comprises astem 142 with a bulbous or semi-spherical top 144. The underside of thetop is joined to the stem by a flat angled section 146. In theembodiment shown, the flat angled section is approximately 45 degrees inrelation to the longitudinal direction of the stem. The latch tool 42comprises a pole connection 152 at one end that allows the latch tool topivot or rotate in multiple directions.

The latch tool further comprises an opening 154 at the opposite end ofsufficient size to receive the top of the latch. The interior of thelatch tool narrows inward to a lip 156. At the narrowest point at thelip, the opening is only slightly larger than the top of the latch. Theinnermost part of the lip forms a flat angled section 158 to correspondto the flat angled section 146 of the latch. This allows the pole to beused to manipulate the skimmer without becoming easily disconnected, butstill allowing the pole to be detached when desired. In thisconfiguration, the latch tool is easily latched or unlatched with apredominantly vertical movement, but remains latched under predominantlyhorizontal movement even with a significant vertical component due tothe interaction of the flat angled sections 146, 158. This permits theuser to lift the skimmer out of the pool with a predominantly horizontalforce, and then unlatch the pole by employing a predominantly verticalforce. In use, the latch-latch tool connection allows for 360 degreerotation similar to a ball joint connection, and has a minimal turningradius for easy and efficient operation.

In yet another embodiment, one or more sails 50 are mounted on top ofthe pontoons so the skimmer acts as a free-floating wind-propelledskimmer. The skimmer can be left in the pool, and collects debris as itis propelled around the pool by the wind. Collection may be assisted bya forward tilt of the skimmer caused by the propulsion. The sails may behingedly or pivotally attached, allowing for some movement from side toside. Lines may be attached to the sail to hold the sail within alimited range of movement. In one embodiment, the sail is allowedapproximately 8 to 12 degrees of movement from the vertical (thisconfiguration is particularly useful with a double-ended skimmer, asdescribed below). The sail or sails may be detachable orinterchangeable, thereby allowing sails with a variety of colors,message, graphics or images to be used. In a pool at a hotel or otherbusiness, for example, the sails can be used to advertise, displaylogos, or the like.

Other means of propulsion can be used. For example, a motor-drivenpropeller may be attached to the back end of the skimmer. The motor maybe powered by batteries, solar power, or some similar source. In oneembodiment, a solar panel is located on the skimmer to receive and storesolar energy. The solar panel may take the place of the sail, or evenact, in whole or in part, as a sail.

In another embodiment, the skimmer may be double-ended. As seen in FIGS.5-9, a center cross bar 70 extends across the middle of the skimmer,with two end cross bars 72, 74 at either end. Each of these endscomprises a buoyant flap, submerged beam, netted trap and othercomponents as described above. Two netted traps may be used, although asingle netted trap in the center may be used. Thus, while the skimmer ismoved or blown in one direction, debris is collected in the forward endrelative to the movement, while debris is retained at the back end or inthe second trap in the rear.

A variety of materials may be used, including wood, plastic, foam, clothor metal. Materials should be resistant to the effects of swimming poolenvironments, such as rust, salt water, chlorine, UV rays, and the like.The pontoons may be solid or hollow. In one embodiment, the pontoons areinflatable.

As seen in FIGS. 5-9, offset rods 60 may extend outward from one or moreends of the pontoons. These help the skimmer turn when a wall or side ofthe pool is struck, and also help to direct debris towards the nettedtrap. In yet another embodiment, brushes may be located on the outsideof the pontoons or keels. These may serve as bumpers or buffers when theskimmer contacts the sides of the pool, and also may assist in cleaningthe tiles or sides of the pool when contacted.

Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examplesdescribed herein have been chosen and described in order to bestillustrate the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to bestutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Eventhough specific embodiments of this invention have been described, theyare not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations thatwill be apparent to those skilled in the art.

1. A mobile floating pool skimmer for collecting debris on or below thesurface of the water, comprising: two parallel pontoons, each withcorresponding first ends and second ends; a first buoyant flap extendingbetween the corresponding first ends of the pontoons, said first buoyantflap comprising a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge ispositioned below the surface of the water and the top edge moves betweena position above the surface of the water and a position below thesurface of the water; and a first netted trap positioned between thepontoons, said first netted trap comprising a first end, a second end,and two sides, wherein the first end is fastened to the top edge of thefirst buoyant flap; wherein the top edge of the first buoyant flap movesto the position below the surface of the water when the skimmer ispropelled in the direction of the first ends of the pontoons to permitcollection of the debris, and moves to the position above the surface ofthe water when not so propelled so as to retain the debris in the firstnetted trap.
 2. The skimmer of claim 1, further comprising a firstsubmerged beam extending across the corresponding first ends of thepontoons, wherein the bottom edge of the first buoyant flap is hingedlyconnected to the first submerged beam.
 3. The skimmer of claim 1,wherein the first submerged beam is positioned to create an upward surgeor wave of water when the skimmer is propelled in the direction of thefirst ends of the pontoons.
 4. The skimmer of claim 1, furthercomprising a first cross beam extending across the corresponding firstends of the pontoons above the surface of the water.
 5. The skimmer ofclaim 4, further comprising a second cross beam extending across thecorresponding second ends of the pontoons above the surface of thewater.
 6. The skimmer of claim 5, further comprising a third cross beamextending across the corresponding centers of the pontoons above thesurface of the water.
 7. The skimmer of claim 4, further comprising alatch or rod on the first cross beam, wherein the latch or rod isadapted to connect with a latch tool.
 8. The skimmer of claim 7, whereinthe latch or rod comprises a stem with a ball at the top.
 9. The skimmerof claim 8, wherein the underside of the ball comprises a flat angledsection where it meets the stem.
 10. The skimmer of claim 9, wherein theangle is approximately 45 degrees.
 11. The skimmer of claim 10, whereinthe flat angled section corresponds to a matching flat angled sectioninside the latch tool.
 12. The skimmer of claim 11, wherein the latchtool is attached to a pole.
 13. The skimmer of claim 12, wherein theskimmer is manually pushed.
 14. The skimmer of claim 13, wherein theweight of the pole is borne by the skimmer.
 15. The skimmer of claim 1,further comprising a sail positioned on the skimmer above the surface ofthe water.
 16. The skimmer of claim 15, wherein the skimmer is moved bywind power.
 17. The skimmer of claim 1, further comprising a secondbuoyant flap extending between the corresponding second ends of thepontoons, said second buoyant flap comprising a top edge and a bottomedge, wherein the bottom edge is positioned below the surface of thewater and the top edge moves between a position above the surface of thewater and a position below the surface of the water; wherein the topedge of the first buoyant flap moves to the position below the surfaceof the water and the top edge of the second buoyant flap moves to theposition above the surface of the water when the skimmer is propelled inthe direction of the first ends of the pontoons; and the top edge of thefirst buoyant flap moves to the position above the surface of the waterand the top edge of the second buoyant flap moves to the position belowthe surface of the water when the skimmer is propelled in the directionof the second ends of the pontoons.
 18. The skimmer of claim 17, whereinthe top of the second buoyant flap is attached to the second end of thefirst netted trap.
 19. The skimmer of claim 17, further comprising asecond netted trap, wherein the top of the second buoyant flap isattached to one end of the second netted trap.
 20. The skimmer of claim1, wherein the pontoons are hydrodynamically shaped.